Listen to the article
The 16th Beirut Spring Festival concluded on May 20 with a touching evening honoring Gisèle Khoury, a journalist and activist whose life was marked by an intense and rich journey.
Gisèle Khoury lived a life filled with achievements, both personally and professionally. Her career in journalism began at LBCI in 1986, followed by her well-known program “Hiwar el Omr” from 1992 to 2001. She later hosted “Bil Aarabi” on Al-Arabiya and MBC from 2003 to 2013, then BBC Arabic’s “Al Mashad” until 2020. Her last program, “Avec Gisèle,” aired on Skeyes News Arabic. She also founded the documentary production company “Rawi,” which focused on influential political figures. Recognized for her contributions, she received decorations from the French Embassy in 2012 and 2019. Her children Rana and Marwan, along with their children, were the joy of her life.
View this post on Instagram
First and foremost, her life was profoundly shaped by her marriage to Samir Kassir, a dedicated intellectual who was assassinated in 2005. Together, they formed an iconic couple committed to defending freedom of expression in Lebanon and the Arab world. Their deep bond, shared passion for journalism and commitment to democratic values served as a source of inspiration for a whole generation.
Samir Kassir, a French-Lebanese historian and journalist born in 1960, was renowned for his outspoken opposition to Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian regime. A brilliant intellectual, Kassir made a significant impact with his sharp writings and courage in the face of oppression. Unfortunately, he was assassinated on June 2, 2005, in a car bombing in Beirut—a shocking event that deeply affected Lebanon and the international community. His passing left a profound void in Gisèle Khoury’s heart, leading her to dedicate much of her energy to upholding her husband’s legacy and causes.
A woman of conviction and determination, Gisèle Khoury refused to be defeated by tragedy. In 2006, she founded the Samir Kassir Foundation for Freedom of the Press and Culture, where she served as president until her passing. Through this organization, Khoury tirelessly pursued the fight for freedom of the press and the cultural vitality of Beirut—causes she deeply cherished and shared with her husband. Her unwavering commitment and hard work kept Samir Kassir’s memory alive while upholding the values he held dear.
The Beirut Spring Festival paid a touching tribute to the exceptional Gisèle Khoury during the “Encounter with Gisèle” evening, curated by writer and director Issam Boukhaled. Hosted at Tournesol Theater, the event brought together Gisèle’s family and friends, as well as journalists and members of the Samir Kassir Foundation. The theater was charged with emotion, reflecting the profound influence that Gisèle Khoury and Samir Kassir had on their community and Lebanese society at large.
Upon entering, guests were greeted by pictures of Gisèle adorning the theater foyer, capturing key moments from her personal and professional life. Excerpts from her interviews and work played continuously on two screens, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in her world and better understand her personality and causes. Inside the hall, a large portrait of Gisèle stood as a symbol of her enduring presence in people’s memories. In front of this picture, festival director Randa Asmar delivered a heartfelt homage to Gisèle Khoury’s life and work, emphasizing her profound and lasting impact on the Lebanese media and cultural scene.
The evening went on with the screening of a moving film about the Samir Kassir Foundation, which recounted its history and achievements since its creation. This visual narrative provided the audience with a profound understanding of Gisèle Khoury’s efforts to preserve her husband’s legacy and uphold their cherished values. Actress Bernadette Houdeib then took the stage, delivering a heartfelt reading of a tribute by Elias Khoury, a writer and close friend of the couple, thereby paying a touching tribute to their memory.
Issam Boukhaled and Jad Shahrour, the Foundation’s communications officer, alternated tributes to Gisèle that were published upon her passing, offering a glimpse into the impact she had on those who knew her. Boukhaled also shared a series of close photos of Gisèle, commenting on them fondly and sharing personal anecdotes. These moments of sharing allowed the audience to connect in a unique way with Gisèle Khoury, understanding her personality, aspirations and unwavering commitment to the causes she held dear.
The highlight of this memorable evening was surely the imagined encounter between Gisèle and Samir, a moment of rare emotional intensity. Through a play of lights and projections, the organizers managed to create the illusion of a dialogue between the two spouses, symbolizing the enduring strength of their love and companionship. The deeply moved audience left the theater alongside the voices of Gisèle and the image of her with Samir.
Beyond this tribute, the 2024 Beirut Spring Festival featured a diverse and vibrant program, reflecting the Samir Kassir Foundation’s dedication to freedom of expression and cultural enrichment, offering the audience moments of discovery and emotion.
Organized by the Samir Kassir Foundation with the support of numerous partners and friends, the Beirut Spring Festival celebrates freedom and culture—values dear to Gisèle Khoury and Samir Kassir. By inviting the public to stay informed through its newsletter and website at www.beirutspringfestival.org, the festival aims to uphold this important mission, preserving the legacy of this iconic couple who have forever shaped Lebanon’s history.
